HSK 7-9
一则……，二则……
yī zé..., èr zé...
Firstly..., secondly... (literary)
Structure
一则 + Reason/Factor 1，二则 + Reason/Factor 2
How it works
This grammar structure is a literary or formal way to list reasons, purposes, or factors, similar to 'firstly... secondly...'. It is often used in written reports, formal speeches, or classical-style prose to present a balanced argument or multiple motivations for a decision.
Examples
他之所以辞职，一则是因为身体欠佳，二则想回乡照顾年迈的父母。
Tā zhī suǒyǐ cízhí, yīzé shì yīnwèi shēntǐ qiànjiā, èrzé xiǎng huíxiāng zhàogù niánmài de fùmǔ.
The reason he resigned was, firstly, due to poor health, and secondly, because he wanted to return home to care for his elderly parents.
我买这卷画，一则为了欣赏，二则为了收藏。
Wǒ mǎi zhè juǎn huà, yīzé wèile xīnshǎng, èrzé wèile shōucáng.
I bought this scroll of painting, firstly for appreciation, and secondly for collection.
这种做法，一则劳民伤财，二则有损公司声誉。
Zhè zhǒng zuòfǎ, yīzé láomín-shāngcái, èrzé yǒusǔn gōngsī shēngyù.
This approach, firstly, wastes manpower and money, and secondly, damages the company's reputation.
Common mistakes
Do not confuse this with '一则' as a classifier for news or stories (e.g., 一则新闻). In this pattern, '则' functions as a conjunction.
Tip
While '第一，第二' is common in spoken language, use '一则...，二则...' in formal writing to elevate the register and sound more professional or scholarly.
More HSK 7-9 grammar
See 一则……，二则…… in real Chinese
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